Glossary
Cross-cutting term definitions (material-specific definitions live in Filaments).
All glossary guides
3 pagesMost-read glossary guides
What filament is, and how FDM printers use it
A plain-language definition of 3D-printer filament: what it is made of, the common types, and how an FDM printer melts and lays it down.
What 3D printer filament is: the feedstock, the families, and the sizes
3D printer filament is the thermoplastic feedstock an FDM printer melts to build a part. A beginner orientation to the main families, how it is made, and the standard sizes.
3D printer filament: the six families and how to choose
3D printer filament explained: the six material families (PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, nylon), how each prints, what each is good for, and how to choose for your part.